The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo shows how Polynesian navigators crossed the open Pacific by reading the stars, and how astronomers on Maunakea study that same sky today. The name ʻImiloa means “exploration driven by a sense of wonder and imagination.” A 12,000-square-foot exhibit hall and a full-dome planetarium sit under one roof. Every planetarium show is included with admission.
The hands-on exhibits keep kids busy, and the displays explain enough of the science to interest adults. The center is on the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus, and a full visit runs three to four hours between the exhibit hall and a planetarium show.
The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi in Hilo. Photo credits: Brewbooks on Flickr
What you’ll see at ʻImiloa
Inside, interactive displays cover Polynesian wayfinding and the modern science on Maunakea, and there is a native Hawaiian garden outside. Young children do well here too: we bring our three-year-old often, and the hands-on exhibits keep a little one busy.
The full-dome planetarium runs several shows through the day, from a Hawaiian wayfinding program to narrated science films. Titles and times rotate, so check the current planetarium schedule if there’s a specific show you want to catch.
This short virtual tour walks through the exhibits and planetarium:
If the night sky is what brings you to the island, our Big Island stargazing guide covers where to see the stars after you leave the dome. To plan the rest of your Hilo day, see our itineraries.
Hours and admission
ʻImiloa is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00am to 4:30pm, and closed Mondays. Lehua Restaurant at ʻImiloa serves lunch and dinner on site, so you can build a meal into the visit.
General admission is $19 for adults and $12 for children ages 5 to 12. Children 4 and under are free, and seniors 65 and up pay $17. Hawaiʻi residents get lower kamaʻāina rates. Admission covers the exhibit hall and every planetarium show that day.
Events and special programs
Beyond daily admission, ʻImiloa runs a rotating calendar of talks and special planetarium shows tied to Hawaiian culture and astronomy. Dates shift month to month. Check the ʻImiloa event calendar to see what’s on while you’re on the island.
Directions to the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
ʻImiloa sits on the upper part of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus, in its Science and Technology Park, off Komohana Street and Nowelo Street. It’s just minutes from downtown Hilo. There’s a free parking lot right in front of the entrance, and we’ve never seen it full. The address is 600 ʻImiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720, and the main number is 808-932-8901.
For current show times and event details, see the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center website.
Related: our guides to Big Island museums and things to do in Hilo.